Players allowed to stay in homes as ATP relaxes bubble requirements

The ATP is not requiring players to stay at official hotels during competition from Monte Carlo onwards, according to Marca.

During the coronavirus pandemic, players have had to stay in designated hotels as part of the tournament ''bubble'' at each event. But they will now be allowed to use private housing, said the Spanish newspaper, as long as they agree not to go anywhere else except the grounds of the tournament.

Players could also be required to undergo more testing and would have to pay all expenses involved.

The Monte Carlo Masters is an event where players are especially likely to take up the renewed freedom, with many pros residing in Monaco and likely to choose to stay in their own homes. That includes Top 10 names like Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev.

Rafael Nadal is also in Monte Carlo for the event but will stay at the official hotel, Marca said.

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The changes will also affect other ATP events such as Barcelona and Madrid, but it is not apparent whether there will be similar provision at the French Open or Wimbledon, which are Grand Slam events and independent of the ATP Tour. According to the current plans for Wimbledon, players will not be allowed to stay in private housing as usual.

No indication was given on whether similar changes are being considered on the WTA Tour.